Luke 2:24

KJV

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to offer {G1325} a sacrifice {G2378} according {G2596} to that which is said {G2046} in {G1722} the law {G3551} of the Lord {G2962}, A pair {G2201} of turtledoves {G5167}, or {G2228} two {G1417} young {G3502} pigeons {G4058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and also to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons,h as required by the Torah of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

American Standard Version

and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:24 records Mary and Joseph's faithful adherence to the Mosaic Law following Jesus' birth, as they present Him at the Temple and offer a purification sacrifice. This act, specifically the offering of "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons," highlights their humble economic status while simultaneously underscoring their devout obedience to God's commandments, setting a foundational precedent for Jesus' own life of perfect submission to the Father's will and the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Luke's detailed account of Jesus' infancy and early childhood, specifically following His circumcision (Luke 2:21) and preceding the prophetic declarations of Simeon and Anna in the Temple (Luke 2:25-38). The immediate narrative describes Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law. Luke 2:22-23 mentions the purification of Mary and the consecration of the firstborn male, linking back to Old Testament commands. Verse 24 then specifies the nature of the sacrifice, directly referencing the provisions for the poor found in the Mosaic Law, which sets the stage for the profound encounters that follow in the Temple. This careful detailing by Luke emphasizes the full humanity of Jesus and the devoutness of His earthly parents, integrating His divine arrival into the established religious and cultural framework of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Law, particularly as outlined in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth"), mandated a period of purification for a mother after childbirth. For a male child, this period was 40 days (Leviticus 12:2-4). At its conclusion, the mother was required to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering to the priest at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 12:6). Crucially, [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Provision for the Poor") provided a concession for those who could not afford a lamb: they could offer "two turtledoves or two young pigeons," one for a burnt offering and one for a sin offering. Mary and Joseph's offering of birds therefore clearly signals their humble economic circumstances, a common reality for many in first-century Galilee. This detail contrasts sharply with the divine identity of the child they presented, highlighting God's choice to enter humanity in humility.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience to God's Law**, demonstrating Mary and Joseph's profound reverence for the "law of the Lord." Their faithful observance of these rituals, despite Jesus' divine nature, underscores the importance of living righteously within God's covenant, a theme central to Luke's portrayal of early believers. Secondly, the specific sacrifice of birds emphasizes **Humility and Poverty**, revealing that the Savior of the world, though King of Kings, entered humanity in the most modest of circumstances, identifying with the common, struggling people. This aligns with Luke's consistent emphasis on God's care for the poor and marginalized, as seen in the Magnificat ([Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - The Magnificat")) and Jesus' later ministry. Finally, this act foreshadows Jesus' own **Fulfillment of Righteousness**. Though sinless, Jesus was born under the Law and subjected to its requirements, perfectly fulfilling its demands throughout His life, culminating in His atoning death. His presentation at the Temple, including this offering, was an early step in His mission to perfectly [fulfill all righteousness](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") on behalf of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Greek, _thysía'_):** From the root meaning "to sacrifice," this noun refers to the act of offering or the victim itself, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes the specific offering made in the Temple as required by the Mosaic Law for purification and atonement. The term emphasizes the religious ritual being performed.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to parcel out," this word refers to a prescriptive usage, a regulation, or a divine commandment. Here, it specifically denotes the Mosaic Law (Torah), the body of divine instructions given to Israel through Moses, which governed their religious and social life. It underscores the divine authority behind the requirement.
* **pair (Greek, _zeûgos'_):** From the same root as the word for "yoke," this noun signifies a couple, a team (like oxen yoked together), or a brace (like birds tied together). Its use here highlights that the offering was not a single bird, but two, emphasizing the specific quantity mandated by the Law for this particular type of sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to offer a sacrifice":** This clause indicates the purpose of Mary and Joseph's visit to the Temple. It was not merely a presentation, but an act of worship involving the prescribed ritual offering. The term "sacrifice" (G2378, _thysía_) points to a formal religious act intended to fulfill a divine requirement, signifying atonement, purification, or dedication.
* **"according to that which is said in the law of the Lord":** This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the requirement. Mary and Joseph were not acting on personal inclination but in direct obedience to God's revealed will, as recorded in the Mosaic Law. The "law of the Lord" (G3551 _nómos_ G2962 _Kyriou_) explicitly links their actions to the covenant stipulations given by God to Israel.
* **"A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons":** This specifies the exact nature of the sacrifice. This particular offering, as detailed in [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Provision for the Poor"), was the alternative provided for those who could not afford a lamb. The mention of "turtledoves" (G5167, _trygṓn_) and "pigeons" (G4058, _peristerá_) highlights the humble economic status of Mary and Joseph, as these were the offerings of the poor. The "pair" (G2201, _zeûgos_) or "two" (G1417, _dýo_) indicates the precise number required for the dual purpose of burnt and sin offerings.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this verse to convey deeper meaning. **Allusion** is prominent, as the verse directly alludes to the specific provisions of the Mosaic Law found in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth"), demonstrating Mary and Joseph's faithful adherence to the covenant. This legalistic detail serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where the humble offering of "turtledoves, or two young pigeons" symbolizes the poverty and lowliness into which the Messiah was born, contrasting sharply with His divine majesty. It also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as this early act of submission to the Law by Jesus' parents foreshadows Jesus' own perfect obedience to the Father's will and His ultimate fulfillment of the Law's demands on behalf of humanity. The precise detail also adds to the **Verisimilitude** of Luke's historical account, grounding the miraculous birth of Jesus in the tangible realities of first-century Jewish life and religious practice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:24 profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine purpose and human obedience. Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous provision within His covenant, ensuring that even the poorest could participate fully in the required rituals of purification and atonement, thereby maintaining their relationship with Him. This act of sacrifice, though small in material value, was immense in its spiritual significance, representing Mary's purification and, by extension, the dedication of Jesus to God. The humility inherent in the offering chosen by Mary and Joseph speaks volumes about the nature of God's incarnation – not in worldly splendor, but in solidarity with the marginalized. This initial act of submission to the Law by Jesus' family sets a precedent for Jesus' own life of perfect obedience, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 12:6-8](/leviticus/12-6-8 "Purification Offering after Childbirth") - The specific Old Testament law detailing the purification sacrifice for a mother after childbirth, including the provision for the poor.
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Christ's Humiliation") - Describes Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) and humiliation, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, echoing the humility seen in His earthly beginnings.
* [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "God Sent His Son") - States that God sent His Son, "born of a woman, born under the law," to redeem those under the law, directly connecting Jesus' birth and early life to His redemptive mission.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:24 offers a rich tapestry for contemporary reflection and application. It calls us to consider the profound example of Mary and Joseph's unwavering obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly mundane or financially challenging circumstances. Their faithfulness reminds us that true devotion is often expressed not in grand gestures, but in consistent, humble adherence to God's Word. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives: are we diligently seeking to live in accordance with God's revealed will, even when it requires personal sacrifice or highlights our limitations? The humble offering also serves as a powerful reminder that God values a contrite and obedient heart far more than material wealth or outward show. It challenges us to embrace humility, recognizing that our worth and access to God are not dependent on our possessions or status, but on our relationship with Him. Furthermore, the provision in the Law for the poor speaks to God's compassionate nature and His desire for all people, regardless of their economic standing, to draw near to Him and participate in His covenant. We are called to trust in God's perfect provision for our spiritual and physical needs, knowing that He makes a way for us to approach Him. Finally, for parents, Mary and Joseph's dedication of Jesus at the Temple is a beautiful illustration of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, committing them to God's purposes from their earliest days.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to greater obedience to God's Word, even in seemingly small details?**
* **How does the humility of Jesus' earthly beginnings challenge my own perceptions of success, status, or spiritual worth?**
* **What does Mary and Joseph's trust in God's provision, despite their humble circumstances, teach me about my own reliance on God?**
* **As a parent or spiritual mentor, how can I emulate Mary and Joseph's dedication in raising children or discipling others in the ways of the Lord?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mary and Joseph offer turtledoves or pigeons instead of a lamb?**

Answer: Mary and Joseph offered turtledoves or pigeons because they were fulfilling the specific provision in the Mosaic Law for those who could not afford a lamb. According to [Leviticus 12:6](/leviticus/12-6 "Leviticus 12:6 - Purification Offering"), a mother was typically required to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering after her period of purification following childbirth. However, [Leviticus 12:8](/leviticus/12-8 "Leviticus 12:8 - Provision for the Poor") explicitly states, "But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering." Their choice of offering thus indicates their humble economic status, demonstrating that even the Savior of the world was born into modest circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:24, with its depiction of a humble sacrifice for purification, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The very act of His parents offering a sacrifice "according to the law of the Lord" underscores Jesus' unique position as one "born under the law" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - Born Under the Law")), not because He was sinful, but so that He might perfectly fulfill its righteous demands on humanity's behalf. The humble offering of birds, a provision for the poor, foreshadows Jesus' identification with the marginalized and His ultimate act of self-emptying, taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Ultimately, Jesus Himself became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), rendering all previous animal sacrifices, including those of turtledoves and pigeons, obsolete. His blood, shed on the cross, provided the ultimate purification and atonement, far surpassing any ritualistic offering, thereby inaugurating a new covenant of grace where access to God is granted not by adherence to the Law's rituals, but by faith in His finished work ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1-18 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Sacrifice Superior")). Thus, the humble offering in Luke 2:24 points forward to the infinitely greater, perfect sacrifice of Christ, which truly purifies and reconciles humanity to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 12:6

¶ And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:

Leviticus 12:8

And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Leviticus 12:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.